I have cruised several times from Miami but always arrived by air from Ohio the day of the cruise. While that was never a problem for us in the past, I now believe its too risky with the limited flights and the many connection flights from my state to Forida.

Since this is my first time arriving the day before the cruise, I must decide whether to get picked up by a shuttle to a hotel near the airport or try to snag a deal on a hotel bayside. I am leaning toward the Fairfield Airport West Doral. Anyone have experience there?

I also saw some posting about the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn. $100 a night at the Intercontinental? That would be nice but how do you do that? I've already given away my first born to a nice fireman.

The cruise does not go until February 24th and I will also be getting a room for a couple coming from Italy to join us. I want the accomodations to be simple yet clean and efficient for us. Around the $100 to $130 mark if possible.

I totally agree with Kuki, try for something closer to the pier. A visit to Bayside Market Place is always enjoyable and right there by the pier, shopping, restaurants, etc. Also using Priceline is a good idea as well.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Since the cruise isn't until the last week of February, is it too early to be booking a couple of rooms now?

I have never used priceline. If I understand correctly, I go to their site and request a three star in the area (zip code?) Then make an offer and see if they accept. If they accept, I am obligated to pay for the rooms. But, while bidding, I won't know which hotel is being offered. Is that correct? Sounds risky but I guess a three star is a three star.

Thanks Donna! I can't believe I am communicating with Admirals here! I was a Sergeant once. Never thought I'd be able to be in the same room with an Admiral.

This is a great site. Too bad I did not find it 10 cruises ago. Just goes to prove, one can always learn something new no matter how experienced you might be. Now days, 10 cruises is just a years activity for some folks.

You can't go wrong with either the Holiday Inn or Intercontinental, both a stone's throw from the Port. Bayside is a great place to spend the evening pre-cruise. They have shopping, restaurants, etc. My grandson loves Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company. Even tho you're not cruising until February 2008, it's never too early to book your hotel reservations, especially if you can get a good rate. The hotels in downtown Miami are very busy during the winter months with conventions, etc. Have a wonderful cruise!!

Stayed at Best Western Bayside a couple of times...but it's been several years, so don't know if it's still a BW hotel. Very nice and reasonable and walk across the street to the beautiful Bayside Marketplane...an indoor/outdoor huge mall w/many restaurants and outdoor intertainment. Short and inexpensive cab ride to the pier which is about 4 blocks away.